Former Saints manager excited by Paisley return

Jack Ross insists he is grateful that he has the opportunity to finally say goodbye to the St Mirren supporters this afternoon.

Ross brings his Sunderland side to the Simple Digital Arena for a preseason friendly as both sides ramp up their preparations ahead of their respective league season kicking off next month.

It will be Ross’ first return to Paisley since swapping the Saints for the Black Cats in May.

And although he released a statement to the club’s fans in the wake of his departure, he admits he is happy to have the chance to do it in person.

Ross told Express Sport: “It will be brilliant to come back and actually have a proper chance to say goodbye to the fans.

“They were fantastic with me from the day I walked in until the day I walked out the door. It is great to be able to come back so soon. It will be a little strange, don’t get me wrong, but it would probably be stranger had I been doing it with another Scottish club.”

Ross revealed he is also looking forward to meeting up with Saints chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick as he returns north, while he also recently bumped into former Buddies defender Harry Davis in another pre-season encounter.

Davis was among a host of players to leave St Mirren over the summer as he return to England to sign for Grimsby Town. He was a second-half substitute in Tuesday night’s friendly between Sunderland and Grimsby, as Ross’ men ran out 1-0 winners.

He said: “It will be great to see Tony.

“I enjoyed a good relationship with everyone at St Mirren and I have kept in touch. I enjoyed a good chat with Harry and he is settling in well at Grimsby.

“We had a great bond in the St Mirren team last year and Harry was a big part in that.”